Nigeria Customs, India Strengthen Bilateral Ties at WCO Policy Commission

Nigeria Customs, India Strengthen Bilateral Ties at WCO Policy Commission

The recent engagement between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Indian Customs Administration marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties, TMnews report.

During the 92nd Session of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Policy Commission, held on June 25, 2025, in Brussels, both parties, led by Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi from Nigeria and Mr. Surjit Bhujbal from India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, discussed various customs-related matters, emphasizing the importance of their Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) signed in November 2024.

Key focus areas of the discussions included:

1. Enhancing Cooperation: Both countries are committed to improving customs valuation and addressing issues related to transfer pricing, which can affect revenue.

2. Integration of Systems: There is a strong emphasis on integrating customs and tax systems to streamline operations and increase efficiency.

3. Combatting Substandard Pharmaceuticals: The dialogue highlighted collaborative efforts to tackle the trade of substandard pharmaceutical products, with notable successes in Nigeria attributed to improved intelligence sharing.

4. Future Collaborations: Nigeria expressed a desire for joint technical missions, training programs, and shared data mechanisms to bolster operational efficiency.

5. Strategic Partnership: The engagement reflects a vision for a smarter, more collaborative customs administration that can effectively manage trade and revenue assurance.

The meeting reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to international best practices and modernizing its customs operations, while India views Nigeria as a vital partner in Africa, aiming for deeper technical cooperation and capacity building. The WCO Policy Commission serves as a crucial platform for customs leaders to discuss global trade facilitation and enforcement standards.